Day 18 – Faith For The Sabbath

Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV): "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His."

The word "Sabbath" comes from the Hebrew Shabbat, meaning "to cease" or "to rest."

"Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8) is the fourth of God's Ten Commandments. While many are familiar with this verse and can recite it alongside the others, how many of us truly observe it?

In Genesis, we read that God laboured for six days, creating the universe, and on the seventh, He rested—not from weariness, but as an intentional act (Genesis 1-4). God rested. As Jesus walked the earth, He too observed the Sabbath, teaching those who followed Him how to observe it as God intended. Jesus rested. Are we really too busy to rest?

I wonder if you ever find yourself in a situation similar to mine. It’s Saturday morning, the day I choose to stop "doing." The day I don’t set an alarm—though my one-year-old handles that one for me at the moment! As I walk past the laundry, I think, "I’ll just pop that load of washing on quickly." Then, as I head downstairs, I see a project I’ve been meaning to get to and think, "If I don’t do that now, it will never get done." Or the thought that floats through my mind most often: "I can’t truly rest until this space is tidy." Stopping to rest and abide in Him goes against our nature. It can feel like wasted time. It is a discipline that requires training and intentionality. Sabbath requires faith.

To rest on the Sabbath is to trust that God, our provider, will sustain us. It’s an act of surrender, a recognition that our worth is not bound to our productivity. Did He give us this command for our good? Yes, of course! He is a good Father who knows how to care for His children (1 Peter 5:7). He knows our nature better than we know our own (Psalm 139:1-3). He knows what we need (Matthew 6:8).

The Sabbath was created for you (Mark 2:27). A gift from your heavenly Father, who knows you and loves you enough to command you to stop. Heed His command and His example, for there is always fruit in obedience.

Family Discussion Questions

1. What types of things do each of you find restful? Do they differ among you?

2. What could a full day of rest look like for your family?

3. Observing the Sabbath is the fourth commandment. Is it ever okay to disregard one of the ten commandments?

Response - Act

Set aside a day this week to practice sabbath (if you do not already). Spend that day resting in God’s word and by spending time with your family. Allocate some additional time to pr